Mark Lee is officially ending his activities with SM Entertainment and stepping away from all NCT units.
SM Entertainment announced on April 3 that, following extensive discussions, both sides agreed to conclude Mark's exclusive contract on April 8. As a result, he will end his participation in NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.
Mark debuted in 2016 as part of NCT and built a decade-long career across group and solo activities. With the contract coming to an end, he plans to begin a new chapter.
SM confirmed that NCT 127 will continue as a seven-member group—Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Jungwoo, and Haechan—while NCT DREAM will promote with six members: Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. The agency added that it will continue full support for the remaining members' activities.
"A Decade of Happiness"
Mark personally addressed fans through a handwritten letter shared on Instagram.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, "Over the past 10 years, so many things happened. I stood on countless stages and created so many memories. I think I was truly happy throughout it all."
He expressed gratitude toward fans, known as NCTzens, stating that he wanted to share his decision and new chapter directly in his own words.
Mark also revisited his beginnings, recalling busking with an acoustic guitar and his passion for writing in English. "After spending 10 years in NCT, I naturally began to think about what my ultimate dream is and what I should pursue as a person named Mark," he said.
He explained that, as his contract reached its conclusion, he took time to reflect deeply and decided to focus on fully realizing his personal aspirations.
Support From Members, Apology to Fans
Mark shared that his fellow members supported his decision. "They told me they support me. After sailing together on the same ship, when I said I now want to swim, they encouraged my dive," he wrote.
To fans, he expressed a sense of responsibility and apology. "I thought deeply about what the most mature decision and approach would be. I'm sorry that the result of those 고민 leads to this situation, and my heart feels heavy," he said.
He concluded with gratitude: "Thank you for making me the happiest person over the past 10 years, for helping me dream bigger as a singer, and for allowing me to achieve that dream. I will carry my gratitude toward SM, NCT, and NCTzens for the rest of my life."
